Breaking Down the Hidden Norms of School Psychology Graduate training programs to attract nontraditional students

Year: 2022

Issue: Vol. 39 Issue. 2

Journal Name: School Psychology Training and Pedagogy

Title: Breaking Down the Hidden Norms of School Psychology Graduate Training Programs to Attract Nontraditional Students

Citation: Lemanski, M. R., Viola, S. B., & Hendricker, E. (2022) Breaking Down the Hidden Norms of School Psychology Graduate Training Programs to Attract Nontraditional Students. School Psychology Training and Pedagogy, 39 (2), 45-72. 

Abstract: It is crucial to the overall growth of school psychology that training programs recruit nontraditional and diverse students (Smith et al., 2016). The historical nature of traditional training programs has created a hidden norm within the field of school psychologists being predominantly White and female, with only minor improvement in recruiting and retaining those from diverse populations (NASP, 2021; Walcott & Hyson, 2018). Targeted recruitment of nontraditional students, particularly those from related fields, may reduce overall shortages, while simultaneously contributing to the diversity of the field. Survey results assessing current school professionals’ knowledge of school psychology, interest in obtaining training in school psychology, and qualities they consider when seeking out a school psychology training program are discussed. Results indicate that school employees feel they are knowledgeable about the profession of school psychology. Of the current school employees surveyed, 16% indicated an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in school psychology. Those interested in pursuing a school psychology degree indicated specific characteristics at the university and program level that would make it more likely for them to obtain graduate training in the field. Implications for programs seeking to recruit nontraditional school psychology students are discussed. 

Keywords:   nontraditional students, school employees, school psychology, training programs, recruitment

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